Research

The most extensive theological library from Philadelphia to Chicago, Barbour Library gives users access to several hundred thousand books and microforms and many online databases, as well as a rare books room housing a priceless collection of classical theological works from the Reformation period, including books by John Calvin published during his lifetime, and a several-thousand-piece hymnology collection.

Services

Barbour Library extends reciprocal privileges to borrowers from a number of partner institutions and lends its volumes generously through interlibrary loan. The Library houses several public access computers and offers free public wireless access throughout the building. Printers, copiers, and microfilm/microfiche readers are also available for public use, and staff offer help with thesis-binding requests.

About

Dedicated in 1964, The Clifford E. Barbour Library is named after the former Seminary president who oversaw the consolidation of Western and Pittsburgh-Xenia seminaries to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Among the Library’s extensive holdings are The Warrington Collection of hymnology volumes, The Newburgh Collection of mostly 17th- and 18th-century theological works, and The Grier Collection of incunabula, early 16th-century imprints, first editions of many literary giants, and more. Artifactual treasures in Barbour Library include the desk, chair, and memorabilia of 20th-century Reformed theologian Karl Barth.

Help

Barbour Library offers online topical research guides to streamline navigating the Library’s collection and to facilitate paper- and thesis-writing. Online resources also include tutorials for exam/ordination-exam preparation, as well as writing and citation helps. Webpage answers to many frequently-asked questions add to the many resources available to on-site and online Barbour Library users.

Say Hello

Library News

Please visit the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's page on Coronavirus Preparedness for full details on the Seminary's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Barbour Library page will address library services and resources only.

Barbour Library - Coronavirus Preparedness

The Seminary believes we should do everything we can to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as protect the health of our Seminary community and our neighborhood. To this end, the library will be closed until further notice.

Students/Faculty/Staff: The closure of the building includes the 24/7 space and cafe. Library staff will be working remotely to provide support and services. Please visit https://www.pts.edu/electronic-resources for information about chat reference, other means of contact, and online help for accessing electronic resources. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books.

PTS Alums: We realize that closing the Library will be an inconvenience for a number of our local alums, and we will be extending due dates for all checked out items until the library reopens to the public. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books. Additionally, we would like to remind you that you have online access to religion and theology journals via ATLAS for Alums. Visit https://www.pts.edu/barbour-library/Alumnae-i and scroll down to ATLAS for Alums for information on logging in to the database. Lastly, we would like to ask any alum planning to take the April PC(USA) Ordination Exam to please e-mail either Alyson Pope or Ellen Little so that we can pursue additional means to support you. All other alums are encouraged to keep an eye on both the PTS and Barbour Library websites for further updates.

Non-PTS Patrons (general public, clergy, reciprocal borrowers): We realize that closing the Library will be an inconvenience for a number of our regular users, and we will be extending due dates for all checked out items until the library reopens to the public. As an added gesture for the disruption in access, we will also be extending account expiration dates by six months for all those with current library accounts. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books. At this time, library staff will be working remotely. See the sidebar to the right for information on contacting us. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books.

Visit https://libraryanswers.pts.edu/ for chat reference or to utilize library FAQs. The chat reference window is the 'Ask Us' box on the right hand side of the page. Reference staff will be manning that window on the following schedule:

You may also e-mail reference@pts.edu to contact reference staff, or visit our staff directory for individual contact information. Unfortunately, remote access to our eBooks and databases isn’t available to our non-PTS patrons. However, our online guides and list of recommended websites are available to all, and all patrons are welcome to use our online chat. There are also a number of academic publishers expanding their free offerings to meet the current extraordinary need. Read more about what's available at https://guides.pts.edu/eBooks/free.